Eat with your feet in the sand at the Lido in Venice

Something special happens when bare feet touch the sand, when the eyes rest on the water and the lungs breathe sea air: there is something unique in the smell of iodine, in the play of light and wind on the water and in the sound of the waves of the sea.

Nineteenth-century doctors knew this well enough and routinely prescribed beach trips: stress levels decrease and general well-being improves, as we get closer to the coast.

And despite any sunburn and jellyfish stings, the beach manages to bring out the best in us.

And when we feel well, we want to eat well.

If you are on the beach at the Lido of Venice, this means stopping for lunch or dinner or even just for a snack or a cocktail at Bistrot De Mar at the Blue Moon beach, as I found out thanks to 2Night Venezia a few weeks ago – you can read the article in Italian here.

Bistrot De Mar is another project by Art & Food Group, opened in May 2021 and, like all the other places in this group, it is enjoying great success, despite opening in a very special year.

A restaurant with an informal atmosphere, but at the same time refined and modern, right by the sea: perfect location if you want to dine listening to the lapping of the waves of the Adriatic sea, admiring all the poetry of the sunset and the enchanting shades that the sun gives to the sky and to the sea before giving way to the moon and the wonderful starry skies of summer.

Whether you are seated on the large covered wooden platform or in the tropical-style open space with palm trees, sofas and wicker tables, where you can dine with your feet in the sand, the sea view of the Lido is magnificent.

I had the pleasure of dining at Bistrot De Mar a few weeks ago, on a beautiful, not too hot August evening, after a long walk along the water’s edge.

Welcomed with a nice smile by the young and prepared staff, we sat on the large platform / terrace overlooking the immense expanse of water we call the Adriatic.

The idea was to try various dishes, so we started with two starters that came into very generous portions: a Tuna Caprese Salad and a dish of Sicilian Red Prawns with Guacamole.

All accompanied by a nice glass of Ribolla Gialla white wine from the Veneto Region.

Bistrot de Mar’s wine list is well stocked, mainly with wines from the Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia and Trentino Alto Adige, but also from other Italian regions.

The Caprese Tuna Salad, Caprese di tonno as the chef calls it, consisted of a fresh tuna tartare with diced tomato, buffalo mozzarella and basil. A very light and fresh appetizer, perfect for fish lovers, delicate but at the same time full of aromas.

The Red Prawns of Sicily with Guacamole dish: ok, I admit it, I love the red prawns of Mazara, it is an amazing ingredient, of incredible quality and with an unforgettable flavour. It is a versatile product, perfect for more elaborate preparations, but also delicious to eat raw. I found that in this recipe the guacamole went perfectly with the prawns adding to the dish, thanks to the lime, that note of freshness that conquers you.

As main dishes we chose the Tuna cutlet served with mixed salad, comfit tomatoes and Ligurian olives and a Seafood salad with potatoes, celery, olives, cherry tomatoes, octopus and prawns with basil mayonnaise.

The tuna cutlet was wrapped in crunchy aromatic breading and the result was a second course rich in flavour and light.

The choice of quality ingredients is always one of the priorities in all the premises of the Art & Food Group and here too it is at the most importance.

The seafood salad with potatoes, celery, olives, cherry tomatoes, octopus and prawns with basil mayonnaise turned out to be a light, summery dish, full of flavours. Also perfect for celiac sufferers.

In the Bistrot di Mar menu there are various offers for vegetarians, vegans and for those suffering from food intolerance, such as gluten or lactose.

A great choice of Pokè salads, both vegetarian and non, but also street-food, with meat, fish and even vegan burgers and various types of sandwiches. And a menu also dedicated to the little ones.

In short, quality cuisine for all tastes!

We could not end the evening without trying the homemade desserts, so we had a Pistachio dessert in three consistencies and a Homemade sorbet, beaten and prepared on the spot, with pineapple, mango and meringues.

Both very tasty, delicate and refreshing desserts – perfect ending to a nice fish dinner on the beach, a real journey through the flavours of the Mediterranean, pampered by the refreshing breezes and the splendid sea view.

But our evening did not end here: we tried a good gin & tonic on the terrace above the restaurant, which, until September, every Friday and Saturday from 19.00 to 24.00, animates the summer evenings with the music of renowned shows and entertainment. by various artists, with the possibility of booking an aperitif and dinner.

So, if you are looking to get way from the crowds of Venice and spend a day at the beach, this is your stop for lunch!

+++Disclaimer:  I was sent to this restaurant for the purposes of reviewing it by 2night Venezia.  The fact I got the meal for free has not influenced the review in anyway.